Pua is a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and it is believed that he would use some of the privileged information obtained as part of the investigation and process of scrutiny.

This is on top for matters which are privy to the ongoing investigation by the Parliamentary committee could be deemed subjudice to the case.

NST story:

Pandikar tells govt: Stop Arul-Pua debate or I’ll resign

BY NURADZIMMAH DAIM –

3 NOVEMBER 2015 @ 1:00 PM KUALA LUMPUR:

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has issued an ultimatum to the government: stop the planned debate between Arul Kanda and Tony Pua or else he will resign.

“If the government still goes ahead with the debate, I will not get involved.. I will resign as Speaker,” he said in Parliament today after much prodding by several members who had questioned the conditions posed by the House for the debate.

The proposed debate between Arul, who is 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) president, and DAP lawmaker Pua, had generated a massive amount of publicity over the last week.

Pua, a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), had been vocal in his criticism of 1MDB’s affairs, setting the stage for the debate.

Pandikar however, questioned the need for such a debate. He felt that PAC’s probe into 1MDB should handled in a proper manner.

“What is the problem if PAC carries out its investigation and subsequently tables the report… can’t Malaysians wait until the investigation by PAC is done?

“Petaling Jaya Utara (Pua) is also in PAC, and Arul also will be called up by PAC. Why the rush? Will the debate get a conclusive answer?

“The answer is no. We also know that the investigation report by PAC on 1MDB will also be presented to the House Committee,” he said.

Pandikar had earlier told the House that parliament would not stop the debate between Arul and Pua, provided that Pua either resigns from PAC or excuses himself from PAC’s 1MDB-related proceedings.

He had also specified that Arul should not be involved in the investigation. “Standing Order 23(1)(e) states that members are not allowed to give statements without the consent of the House committee. So, the debate in this matter is against the Standing Order since the matter is still being investigated by PAC.

“The planned debate on TV will give space to discuss the matter and is premature as the (1MDB) invesigation is still ongoing. It will affect PAC and attract prejudice of the credibility of both parties (involved in the debate).

“Furthermore, the tendency to accuse a person’s character is not allowed by Standing Order 23(1)(o).”

Pandikar also reminded the House that the role of a PAC member is that of an investigator, not a prosecutor, referring to Pua.

The concern the Speaker raised is valid and the process of investigation and scrutiny is actively ongoing and yet to be conclusive, let alone to be tabled to PAC.

However, DAP was quick to react by offering another MP to debate against Arul.

NST story:

If Pua can’t debate, we’ll replace him with someone else, says DAP

3 NOVEMBER 2015 @ 2:00 PM

BY MINDERJEET KAUR

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP will nominate one of its members to replace Tony Pua in the proposed debate against 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) chief Arul Kanda.

The Opposition party’s chief whip Anthony Loke said, should Pua be disallowed from taking part in the debate by virtue of his position within the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the party would place another candidate for the debate.

Loke said they want the debate to go ahead as scheduled.

“As the chief whip, I do not agree that Pua should resign from the PAC to make way for the debate,” he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby today, just minutes after Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia announced the conditions for the Arul-Pua debate.

He said DAP feels Pua should remain as a PAC member to investigate and be part of the 1MDB probe proceedings.

Loke also questioned the new conditions imposed, which include requiring Pua to resign as a PAC member in order to take part in the debate.

“Is this a political strategy by Barisan Nasional? At first they say they do not oppose the debate. They pretend they are not afraid. Now the Speaker says it is not allowed under the Standing Orders,” he said.

The point is that DAP is not at all interested in the truth but to do as much as they can to demonise Prime Minister Najib and administration, as part of the strategy to deny the interest and aspiration of the majority and alleviate themselves as a minority to govern the nation.